Ski-bobs and similar sliding apparatus of the single-track type

ABSTRACT

A ski bob comprising a frame and a pair of axially aligned runners in which the front runner is steerable by handlebars pivotally mounted on the frame and one of the runners, usually the rear runner, is provided with a rotating mechanism so that it may be rotated about a longitudinal axis for transverse movement relative to the frame so that the runner is caused to &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;edge&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; as the bob turns in snow. The rotating mechanism is controlled by a twist grip on the handlebars.

United States Patent [19'] Peronnon et al.

[451 Feb. 20, 1973 [54] SKI-BOBS AND SIMILAR SLIDING APPARATUS OF THE SINGLE-TRACK TYPE [76 Inventors: Christian Peronnon, Randens, par, Aiguebelle; Claude Guillet, Le Chandinert, Correncon-en-Vercors, both of France [22] Filed: Feb. 8, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 113,320

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Feb. 9, 1970 France ..7004539 [52] U.S. Cl. ..280/16, 280/21 R [51] Int. Cl. ..B62b 13/04 [58] Field of Search ..280/l6, 21 R, 21 A, 17

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,526,412 9/1970 Garcia ..280/l6 2,532,887 12/1950 Bor ..280/2l A l,946,0l8 2/1934 Frcderickson .280/21 A UX 2,476,984 7/1949 Lawson ..28()/2l R 3,161,416 12/1964 Lechene et al. ..280/21 R FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 571,106 2/1933 Germany 280/16 Primary Examiner-Benjamin Hersh Assistant ExaminerRobert R. Song AttorneyAlexander & Dowell [5 7] ABSTRACT A ski bob comprising a frame and a pair of axially aligned runners in which the front runner is steerable by handlebars pivotally mounted on the frame and one of the runners, usually the rear runner, is provided with a rotating mechanism so that it may be rotated about a longitudinal axis for transverse movement relative to the frame so that the runner is caused to edge" as the bob turns in snow. The rotating mechanism is controlled by a twist grip on the handlebars.

7 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEB FEBZ 0 i975 SHEET 1 BF 2 SKI-BOBS AND SIMILAR SLIDING APPARATUS OF THE SINGLE-TRACK TYPE This invention concerns improvements to ski bobs and other sliding apparatus of the single-track type, in which the frame or chassis is supported by two axially aligned runners, the front runner being free to turn and connected to a handle-bar.

We know that in apparatus of this kind, the movement of the handle-bar is not sufficient to alter the course of the vehicle. It is further necessary that the driver, wearing foot grips, exert pressure on the snow, at the same time pressing on the frame with his legs to get the apparatus to move in the desired direction. Obviously, this operation is tiring and also means considerable braking as well as a loss of balance.

The improvements forming the subject matter of the invention are designed to overcome this inconvenience.

The apparatus of the invention is characterized by the fact that at least one of the runners is articulated on the frame along a longitudinal axis and provided with actuating means permitting it to oscillate along the said axis in respect of said frame.

It is clear that this arrangement makes it easier to hold to the trail on curves and turns, since the driver can turn the articulated runner in such a way that it grips the snow laterally (edging) or else skids on it.

The attached drawing, given by way of example, shows one type of ski bob constructed according to the invention.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a vertical section, on a larger scale, of the actuating device situated between the rear bar of the frame and the corresponding runner.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are elevated diagrammatic views from the rear illustrating the operation of the apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the actuating device.

The ski bob shown in FIG. 1 comprises a frame having a general U-shaped profile and supported by two runners 2 and 3. The front runner 2 is articulated on a transverse axis 4 provided on the lower extremity of a steering-column 5, the top of which is equipped with a handle-bar 6. This column 5 is pivotally supported by two angle-irons 7 solid with the front bar of the frame 1. Towards the rear, the frame is equipped with a saddle 8 attached to a telescopic shock absorber 9, the base of which is resting on a bracket 10. Between the w free extremity of the rear bar of the frame 1 and the runner 3, there is an actuating device as shown in FIG. 2, which device is controlled on the handle-bar 6 by means of a rotating grip of the type used on motor bikes and similar apparatus.

The actuating device comprises a horizontal casing 12 having a cylindrical profile and facing crosswise in respect of the runner 3, the upper wall of the casing 12 being solid with a vertical rod 13 which fits into the open base of the rear bar of the frame 1. This rod may be secured angularly in any appropriate manner. The casing 12 encloses a shaft 14 supported by two bearings 15 and 16; this shaft is enclosed within a threaded cap 17 screwed into the threaded opening of the casing 12.

The shaft 14 extends beyond the bearing 15 and the 6 end surface of the casing 12 to carry a drum 18 which is solid with said shaft. By means of screws 19, the extremities of two cables 20 are secured to this drum and enclosed in sheathes 21, which are attached to the above-mentioned bracket 10 by means of ordinary couplings 22. The cables 20 end at an upper drum 23 (FIG. 1) angularly solid with the rotating grip 11, so that the turning of said grip causes the rotation of the drum 18 and the shaft 14 in one direction or the other.

Between the two bearings 15 and 16, there is an endless screw 24 (FIG. 2) locked onto the shaft 14. This screw 24 meshes with a gear sector 25 pivotally mounted on a fixed axis 26 held in place by two vertical lugs 12a of the casing 12, said axis being arranged axially in respect of the runner 3. The sector 25 is maintained between two flanges 28a by means of two endthreaded pins 27 which permit it to pivot in a direction perpendicular to the axis 26. The flanges 28a are solid with a lower sill 28 secured by means of screws 29 to the upper surface of therunner 3.

In operation it will be seen that the turning of the grip 1 1 permits the horizontal swivelling of the runner 3 following the longitudinal axis 26, by means of the cables 20, the endless screw and the sector 25, in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Thus the driver, at the same time as he changes the direction of the handle-bar 6, may begin a controlled skidding to make a sharp turn, or on the other hand, he may, using the technique known in skiing as edging, firmly hold the apparatus onto a gentle curve. In either case, he does not have to brake using the usual foot grips or exert any pressure on the frame 1. It will be noted that the articulation of the runner 3 around the pins 27 permits this runner to pivot so as to follow the irregularities of the trail. In order to ensure correct alignment of the two runners 2 and 3 of the apparatus, the front extremity of the runner 3 is attached to the base of the front bar of the frame 1 by means of a flexible piece 30 of rubber or similar material, which does not interfere with the transversal or longitudinal movement of the runner in question.

Obviously, there are other possible ways of constructing the actuating device situated between the frame and the rear runner. In particular, this device could be provided with a swivel-joint. Instead of being controlled manually by means of the grip 11, this device could be controlled by the steering-column 5, so that the runner oscillates automatically when the direction of the handle-bar is changed. It is also understood that in certain instances, the front runner 2 may be directly connected to an actuating device which is either independent or synchronized with that of the rear runner 3. Also, the actuating device or devices may be driven by an electric or other type of motor operated by the driver.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. In a ski-bob or like apparatus for sliding on snow, including a frame; at least one runner to support said frame; and connecting means to attach said runner to said frame; the improvement according to which said connecting means comprise:

a casing secured to said frame;

an endless screw rotatably supported by said casing and extending substantially transversely of said runner;

a gear sector pivotably supported by said frame about an axis substantially longitudinal to said runner, said sector being in mesh with said endless screw;

means to secure said gear sector to said runner so as to maintain same at a fixed angular position with respect to said sector about said axis;

and means to rotate said endless screw in both directions to tilt said runner transversely with respect to said frame.

2. In a ski-bob or like apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said means to secure said gear sector to said runner comprising:

a support rigidly secured to said runner; and means to pivot said gear sector to said support about an axis substantially transverse to said runner. 3. In a ski-bob or like apparatus as claimed in claim 2:

said runner having an upper side;

said support including a sill rigidly secured onto the upper side of said runner, and a pair of lateral lugs solid with said sill, with said gear sector situated between said lugs;

and said means to pivot said gear sector to said support comprising a pair of opposed pins rotatably carried by said lugs along said substantially transverse axis, each of said 5 pins having a threaded inner end screwed into said gear sector.

4. ln a ski-bob or like apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said means to rotate said endless screw comprising:

a drum rigidly carried by said endless screw coaxially thereto;

cable means attached to said drum and wound thereon, said cable means having two ends in opposed relation to each other with respect to said drum;

and means to selectively pull each of said ends.

5. In a ski-bob or like apparatus as claimed in claim 4: said means to selectively pull each end of said cable means including a rotatable grip mounted on said frame.

6. In a ski-bob or like apparatus as claimed in claim 4:

said frame including a steering column;

said frame further including a handlebar secured to i said steering column to control same; and said means to selectively pull each end of said cable means comprising a rotatable grip mounted on said handlebar. 7. In a ski-bob or like apparatus as claimed in claim said frame including a steering column angularly 

1. In a ski-bob or like apparatus for sliding on snow, including a frame; at least one runner to support said frame; and connecting means to attach said runner to said frame; the improvement according to which said connecting means comprise: a casing secured to said frame; an endless screw rotatably supported by said casing and extending substantially transversely of said runner; a gear sector pivotably supported by said frame about an axis substantially longitudinal to said runner, said sector being in mesh with said endless screw; means to secure said gear sector to said runner so as to maintain same at a fixed angular position with respect to said sector about said axis; and means to rotate sAid endless screw in both directions to tilt said runner transversely with respect to said frame.
 1. In a ski-bob or like apparatus for sliding on snow, including a frame; at least one runner to support said frame; and connecting means to attach said runner to said frame; the improvement according to which said connecting means comprise: a casing secured to said frame; an endless screw rotatably supported by said casing and extending substantially transversely of said runner; a gear sector pivotably supported by said frame about an axis substantially longitudinal to said runner, said sector being in mesh with said endless screw; means to secure said gear sector to said runner so as to maintain same at a fixed angular position with respect to said sector about said axis; and means to rotate sAid endless screw in both directions to tilt said runner transversely with respect to said frame.
 2. In a ski-bob or like apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said means to secure said gear sector to said runner comprising: a support rigidly secured to said runner; and means to pivot said gear sector to said support about an axis substantially transverse to said runner.
 3. In a ski-bob or like apparatus as claimed in claim 2: said runner having an upper side; said support including a sill rigidly secured onto the upper side of said runner, and a pair of lateral lugs solid with said sill, with said gear sector situated between said lugs; and said means to pivot said gear sector to said support comprising a pair of opposed pins rotatably carried by said lugs along said substantially transverse axis, each of said pins having a threaded inner end screwed into said gear sector.
 4. In a ski-bob or like apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said means to rotate said endless screw comprising: a drum rigidly carried by said endless screw coaxially thereto; cable means attached to said drum and wound thereon, said cable means having two ends in opposed relation to each other with respect to said drum; and means to selectively pull each of said ends.
 5. In a ski-bob or like apparatus as claimed in claim 4: said means to selectively pull each end of said cable means including a rotatable grip mounted on said frame.
 6. In a ski-bob or like apparatus as claimed in claim 4: said frame including a steering column; said frame further including a handlebar secured to said steering column to control same; and said means to selectively pull each end of said cable means comprising a rotatable grip mounted on said handlebar. 